1. ‘They’re like new signings, Clive…’It’s possible Villa might show as many as six changes from last season at the Britannia Stadium next month. Summer additions Philippe Senderos, Kieran Richardson and Joe Cole could be joined in a freshened-up side by the fit-again Jores Okore and Charles N’Zogbia and returning outcast Darren Bent. Okore is looking chiselled out of granite, Bent’s been a team player in pre-season, while N’Zogbia reminded us of his set-piece prowess against FC Dallas.

2. The Beast takes baby stepsThe sight of Christian Benteke kicking a football will cheer all Villa hearts. He’s still a long way from brutalising Premier League defenders again, but a journey of a thousands miles begins with a single step and all that. It may only be toying with the ball at the moment, but he’ll be blasting them beyond goalkeepers in no time. Libor Kozak is even closer to a return; let’s hope he can lead the line in the mean time.

3. Fab wants to stay – and Ron still mightThe captain’s future may be in doubt but at least our player of the year seems happy to stay. Fabian Delph gave Villa fans a boost during a Stateside press conference when he said he wanted to sign a new deal. Tying him and Ron Vlaar to long-term contracts could be our best signings of the summer – and if we can also coax even better displays from them, they’ll provide a solid spine.

4. Our new kits are niceThis sounds like I’m clutching at straws. But our best kits of recent times have also coincided with our best seasons. Our new away strip is modelled on the European Cup-winning shirt, while the pin stripes on our home kit will remind fans of the successful trip to Wembley in 1994. And, unlike some Villa shirts of recent years, you’d be proud to be seen in either of this season’s models.

5. A slightly easier start?

According to stats site Whoscored.com, Aston Villa have the second hardest start to the season. Which is an improvement on last year, when visiting Arsenal and Chelsea and hosting Liverpool in our first three games made it by far the hardest. We have the same three teams in September, but at least we can warm up this year against Stoke, Newcastle and Hull.

6. We all start on zero

Let’s face it, that’s why we love the new season. It’s a level playing field, this is our year, etc. Except it isn’t and it won’t be. But we sit second on alphabetical order – let’s enjoy that table while it lasts.